Yaboyabo (Serer, variations : Yaabo-Yabo, Yabo Yabo, YABO-YABO or Yabo-Yabo) is an ancient village in the rural community of Séssène (var : Sessene), in the Thiès Region of Senegal.[1] [2]
See main article: Serer creation myth.
Linked to Serer mythology and religion and deemed one of the Serer holy sites, Yaboyabo is one of the oldest villages in Senegal.[3] According to the Serer creation myth, Yaboyabo takes its name from the first human couple[3] (YAAB and YOP, var : YAAB and YOB) created by the supreme being Roog (or Koox among the Cangin).[4] The narrative went on to state that, the original twins (female and male respectively) were carried from the Empyrean Heaven by an ark.[3] This is believed to be deposited in the sacred village of Yaboyabo.[3] Although the ark of Yaabo-Yabo is an ancient relic under the guardianship of this Serer village, and ritually venerated by those who adhere to the tenets of Serer religion,[5] it is highly unlikely to be the original "ark" and was probably an ancient replica. Many Serer homes have ancient artifacts, some of which are religious in nature (see Serer ancient history).[5] [6]
The population is overrun by the Serer people, the original inhabitants. As of 2012, the population is estimated to be between 1715[1] and 1953.[7]
Some of the nearest localities include Tattaguine, Mbefel, Saokom, Sakone, Dom and Diarab.[2] [8] The closest major cities include Thies and Kaolack.[8]
See also: Serer religion and Serer ancient history.